The date of World Prematurity Day in 2016 is on Thursday, November 17th.

What is World Prematurity Day?

World Prematurity Day (WPD) is recognized on November 17th to bring attention to the health issues faced by preterm babies and the impact of preterm birth on families. This day of observance was established in Europe in 2011 and has since become a popular day of health awareness in more than 60 countries.

Preterm birth affects about 10% of babies born worldwide (about 15 million infants per year). These babies face a high rate of mortality, since preterm birth is the leading cause of death in newborns. Those who survive often face severe complications, including problems that cause lifelong disability. The goal of World Prematurity Day is to bring attention to the plight of premature babies and to educate communities about ways to reduce the risk of preterm birth. Discussions on prevention of preterm birth and proper care and medical intervention for preterm babies are prevalent on WPD.